The monumental Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima, also known as San Francisco de Jesus, is located in the historic center of Lima. This set of religious buildings, is undoubtedly one of the most important and best architectural centers in the city. It is also one of the largest and most beautiful legacies of the colonial era, and consequently has become one of the most visited. This is due, in part, to the presence of catacombs in San Francisco, which are unique in Peru.
Brief History
Upon the founding of Lima on January 18, 1535, by Francisco Pizarro, the city plan was laid out and the lands were distributed. Fray Francisco de la Cruz in 1535 first built a small chapel. In 1546, Francisco Lima de Santa Ana, built a modest little church, which was later improved and expanded along with the Convent by the viceroy Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza, protector of the Franciscan religious order. During the following century, the temple underwent a series of arrangements and decorations that resulted in a marvel of art in the colonial era. Its construction was not very strong at that time, so in 1614, the architect Fray Miguel de Huerta warned that the pillars of the temple had bad foundations and were placed on gravel.
The earthquake of February 4th, 1655, destroyed the Franciscan church, destroying its priceless artistic treasures, after over a century of construction and decoration. It was rebuilt and the new temple was inaugurated on October 3rd, 1672, restoration within the convent continued until 1729. Today the convent has considerable attractions. Courtyards and gardens are surrounded by arcades with Seville tiles sockets. According to tradition written by Ricardo Palma, these tiles were placed by Alonso Godinez, a native person from Guadalajara, Spain. He was hanged for killing his wife, upon being admitted by the warden of San Francisco the same day of his execution, told of his ability to create and decorate beautiful walls. Without delay, the confessor immediately went to the palace to seek the forgiveness of Godinez, which he received with the condition that he would wear the habit and would not lay another foot out of the convent. These tiles were brought directly from Sevilla, and were donated by Catalina Huanca, who was the goddaughter of Francisco Pizarro, who came from Huancayo to Lima with 50 mules carrying gold and silver. The cedar wood, used to carve the cloisters was sold by Pedro Jimenez Menacho, who was a timber importer, and as payment, according to Ricardo Palma, he received a big cup of chocolate, because after he tried that chocolate, he never wanted to charge and left the canceled receipts on the table.